Thompson joins NZ Four Nations squad

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West Tigers forward Bodene Thompson has received a late call-up for the NZ Kiwis’ Four Nations campaign, after prop Sam Moa withdrew due to family illness.

Thompson (26) was touring Queensland with the NZ Maori side, when he was added to the national side and will assemble with the Kiwis on the Gold Coast tomorrow.

Originally from Tauranga, Thomspon moved to Australia as a teenager and played three seasons for the Gold Coast Titans, before joining the Tigers in 2013. He has now made 85 NRL first-grade appearances, scoring 16 tries.

He joins centre Sosaia Feki, prop Suaia Matagi, second row Jason Taumalolo and wing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak as rookies in the national side, although Taumalolo was a non-playing member of the 2012 Anzac Test squad.

The Kiwis open their Four Nations account against Australia at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, October 25.